Author's Note: Boo! I'm not dead! Sorry for the long wait between updates... I've been involved with my school's play, so all my writing time has been sucked up... But fear not, for this week is the last week of the show, so I should be back to a more regular schedule very soon! In honor of Halloween (and this being the 50th chapter - holy shit, when did we get here?), I present you with tooth-rotting fluff. I only have, like, five total fluff chapters in this entire thing. I'm sorry. By the way, I kinda skimped on proofreading this chapter, so pardon me if there are any errors. I'll try to go back through it tomorrow and clean it up a little if I can.

Shoutouts: Thank you to A World Made Happier With Yaoi, Annie the Gamer, BlackNecko, YokaiAngel, EllatheYoukai, MidnightAirhead, AnimeWolf2000 (sorry, no pictures... I came up with it all on my own, so if anyone wants pictures, they are going to have to draw them... I'll happily accept fanart if anyone wants to make me some!), and Hibiki Loke for reviewing. Also, thank you to KorraRoth, starlithorizon22, Annie the Gamer (LTM and YCBMBA), angelofhisworld, and EbonySapphire for following and to yaoilovinlesbian, angelofhisworld, EbonySapphire, ayumi16E, and Annie the Gamer (YCBMBA) for favoriting me or Lost Time Memory. You guys give me life.

Enough from me, enjoy the fluff! (Because who knows how long it will last?)

*evil cackling in the distance*


C'mon… hurry up already!

Eren's eyes track the red second hand's painfully slow pace as it nears the end of its revolution. Eren can't help but bounce in his seat a little as he starts his mental countdown.

10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… 0!

The bell's blare resounds through the classroom, immediately followed by a flurry of papers being shoved into binders and folders as students hurry to pack up so they can finally go home.

"Don't forget, class! Test on Friday!" Ms. Zuber reminds, but her words fall primarily on deaf ears as students rush out of the classroom.

Eren waves to his teacher, a brilliant grin on his face as he leaves. He soon arrives at his locker, packs up his stuff and is about to head toward the parking lot when he sees Mikasa passing by.

"Hey, Mikasa!"

"What's up, Eren?"

"I was wondering if you wanted to study together on Wednesday for the calc test. I'm having a little bit of trouble with some of the stuff we did on Thursday and Friday, so I was hoping you might be able to explain it to me?"

"Of course, Eren. I'm honored that you would ask me." Mikasa smiles.

"My mom probably would happy to have you over if you're okay with coming by after school. You can invite Annie too, if you want."

"Sure, but why Annie?"

"Mikasa. I see the way you look at Annie. You've got a thing for her, I can tell." Eren teases.

"What? No, we're just friends!" Mikasa exclaims.

"Suuuure. I think thou doth protest-eth too much. Just invite her, will you?"

"Yeah, fine." Mikasa sighs.

"You make it sound like I'm twisting your arm; lighten up. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"See you, Eren. Have a good day!"

"Thanks Mikasa, you too!" Eren beams, waving jovially as he practically skips out of the building.

He goes to the pick up and drop off lot, eagerly scanning the rows of cars for Levi's black BMW, but he has a hard time seeing over a particularly large gaggle of girls.

"Oh my god, isn't he hot?"

"Does anyone know who he is?"

"He's got to be a model!"

"If he's a model, then what is he doing here, Jackie?"

"I don't know! Maybe he's someone dad or uncle or cousin or something!"

"I wouldn't mind calling him daddy…"

Eren laughs at the outrageous comments, amused at how worked up these girls over a single guy. His laughter gets him a couple of glares from some of the girls, but Camille takes him under her wing to point out the mystery hottie.

"You like guys, so I'm sure you'll appreciate this one. No one knows who he is, but fuck me if he isn't the hottest guy I've seen this year."

"I'd rather not 'fuck you' as you so crudely put it, but I get it, he's hot. Now just point him out to me already!"

"He's the one over there, leaning up against the black car, in the shapely dress slacks and the white button up with the undercut and the bedroom eyes…" Camille points, and Eren's eyes land on Levi, looking like a god among men with his pale skin, raven hair and strong forearms and Eren feels a swell of pride when his eyes flick down to the ring on his finger.

Of all the fish in the sea, he chose me to spend the rest of his life with? I truly am the luckiest man in the world.

"Earth to Eren? Isn't he smokin' hot? I'd let him bang me."

"Like he'd ever bang you; he likes dick too much." Eren mumbles under his breath.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing. He's super fucking hot, I'll give you that. Oh, no! Look, he's engaged, see? He has a ring on his left index finger." Eren points out.

"Hey, everyone, he's taken! He's got a ring!" Camille announces.

"Darn!"

"Oh man!"

"I'd just got up the courage to ask for his number!"

Eren enjoys their disappointment a lot more than he should have.

"You gonna ogle him with us until he leaves?" Camille asks, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.

"I wish I could, but I gotta go home. I'll see you tomorrow, Camille." Eren sighs, faking a pout.

"Have a nice day, Eren!"

"Thanks! You too!" Eren waves, stepping off the edge of the sidewalk.

In his hurry, he almost walks straight into traffic, but he catches himself, looks both ways and waits long enough for an opening before crossing the street and walking up to Levi.

"Good afternoon, Levi!" Eren beams.

"Hey, brat. Ready to go?"

"Not quite yet. Do you see those girls over there?" Eren gestures vaguely in their general direction.

"How can I not when they're staring at me like I'm a fucking piece of meat?" Levi complains.

"I was so kind as to point out to them that Mr. Sex Appeal was already off the market. Can I show them that I'm the luckiest guy in the entire world?"

"You mean that I'm the luckiest guy in the fucking world? Be my guest."

Eren dives in without a second though, his right hand cupping the back of Levi's head and his left hand grabbing the front of Levi's shirt to pull him closer as he slots his lips against his lover's, enjoying the confused yelling coming from the group of girls that had been ogling Levi earlier. Levi, picking up on this, decides to take it a step further and press his tongue against Eren's lips, seeking entrance, and when Eren grants it, Levi takes full advantage of the opening, turning the once simple kiss into a series of hot and passionate open-mouthed kisses. Levi takes full control and the rest of the world falls away for Eren, leaving him weak in the knees, whimpering into the kisses and almost overwhelmed from the sheer intensity. When Levi finally pulls away, Eren is a certifiable mess, his cheeks burning as he gasps for air. Levi's hand wraps possessively around Eren's waist and pulls him close, turning to address the onlooking girls.

"Back off. He's mine." Levi growls at the girls before placing a gentle kiss on the wrecked boy's forehead.

The girls go wild, cheering and squealing about "Humanity's cutest couple" as Levi opens the passenger's side door for Eren. His fiancé waves at his classmates with his left hand, letting his ring catch the sun and glow before getting in the offered seat. Levi enters on the driver's side and starts up the car, backing out of the spot and joining the line of cars waiting to leave one of the two bottlenecked entrances to the parking lot.

"So how was that?" Levi asks with a smirk.

"Not what I was expecting, but it got the point across, and that's what matters. I'm going to be the talk of the school tomorrow. If anyone knows how to spread information, it's Camille, and with something that juicy… It'll be like wildfire."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No. I've already been outed, so it's fine. It was actually on Friday. I had mentioned that I was with someone, so no doubt people were wondering. It was only a matter of time, really. I wouldn't have had it any other way."

"Outed?"

"Yeah- Turn left at the intersection, please."

"But isn't your house the other way?" Levi asks, confused, making the left turn anyway.

"I never said that you were taking me back to my house." Eren grins.

"You cheeky brat…"

"Your cheeky brat. Are you going to follow my directions or not?"

"Well, if I want to find out what you have planned, I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

"Nope." Eren smirks, popping the "p" in nope.

"Then guide me. I am yours to command." Levi relinquishes.

"Oooooh, I like it when you say things like that. Okay, take another left at the next intersection."

Levi continues to follow Eren's directions, his curiosity piquing when Eren directs him to pull into the parking lot of a shopping center. Once he has parked the car, Eren jumps out and runs around to Levi's side of the car, immediately taking Levi's hand as soon as he gets out of the car. Levi lets Eren pull him along and lead him to a particular shop where Eren stops to await Levi's reaction.

"Cephalopod Tea Company?" Levi reads, furrowing his brows.

"Good to see you still know how to read, love." Eren teases, and Levi rolls his eyes.

"Clearly, that was necessary. Why are we here?"

"Well, do you know what today's date is?"

"It's May 2nd, is it not?"

"It is. And, uh… Now that I think about it, this may be a little silly, but… Well, happy one-month engagement anniversary, Levi!" Eren grins sheepishly, scratching at the back of his head.

Eren looks up through his lashes and sees Levi's eyes widen a little before his face relaxes into a warm smile. He closes the distance between himself and his lover, placing his hands on Eren's waist and kissing him tenderly. When their lips part, Levi doesn't pull away, but actually pulls Eren closer and puts his head on Eren's shoulder.

"You sentimental brat… Endlessly endearing. I'll get you back for this." Levi grumbles.

Eren just laughs and squeezes Levi tight, the joyous sounds pouring from his lips warming Levi to his very core like sunshine on a clear, spring day. Eren takes Levi's hand in his and guides him into the shop tucked away in the corner of the shopping complex. The interior of the shop is a warm blue and decorated with a mix of industrial and ocean themed accents. The armchairs and tables scattered about the dining space are a tad mismatched, but they fit the theme of the establishment and give it a more comfortable and homey feel. There is a lone waitress standing behind the bar, wearing a flowy black dress and a black apron to match. She puts a jar of loose tea leaves back on one of the ceiling high shelves before coming over to help Eren and Levi.

"Good afternoon, how can I help you gentlemen?"

"I have a reservation for Ackerman?" Eren replies.

"Oh yes, we've been expecting you. Here are some menus, feel free to sit wherever you'd like. I'll come take your tea orders momentarily." The woman smiles, handing each of them a blue trifold menu.

"Where do you want to sit, Levi?"

Levi surveys the tables carefully, eyes landing on a table in the corner with a curved couch next to it. He pulls Eren toward it, sitting on one end and gesturing Eren to sit at the other. Eren ignores the suggestion and scoots right up next to Levi, who rolls his eyes but puts his arm around Eren's waist even though he knows it'll only encourage him.

"Reservation for Ackerman, huh?" Levi teases, opening his menu and peering at the tea options.

"I'm going to have to get used to being called Ackerman soon, so why not start now?"

"Good point, brat."

Eren snuggles into his to-be-husband's side as they fall into a comfortable silence and scan over the tea menu, looking over the different flavor options and the ways that the tea can be prepared. Before long, they have made their decisions, and the waitress comes to take their orders.

"What can I get for you love-birds?" The waitress inquires, making Eren smile and lean further into Levi's side.

"I'll try the chocolate tea steamer, please." Eren requests politely.

"And I'll have the Sgt. Earl, please." Levi adds, handing the waitress the menus.

"Excellent choices. I'll be back soon with your order."

With a smile and a swish of her skirt, the waitress is gone, leaving Eren and Levi nestled in their corner of the world.

"Chocolate tea? Somehow I should have known that's what you'd choose." Levi playfully teases.

"Oh come on, I was curious, okay?" Eren protests.

"Speaking of curious, you mentioned earlier that you were already outed?"

"Oh, right. Some rumors started last week about me being gay, and when confronted with it, I couldn't lie about it. I figured that since I'm like this that it wouldn't be a problem anymore if anyone tried to come at me for being gay, but the most miraculous thing happened. Others came out with me at the same time and stood by me. No joke, I swear it was fifty people, my friends included. I had no idea so many people were in the closet, or that so many were ready and willing to come out. I don't think I can quite describe the overwhelming joy and relief I felt seeing all of those people that supported me all in one place."

"Is that why you kissed me the way you did back at the school?"

"Well, everyone knew that I was gay and taken, but no one knew who had taken me. It was about time I showed them who I belong to. Besides, those girls were eating you with their eyes and I don't share well with others."

"I don't share either. Though I think we did an excellent job of making that point."

"Agreed. Though, mm, I wouldn't mind making that point again. And again. And again and again-"

"I get it, you horny brat. You don't even have to ask. I meant it when I said that I am yours to command. I don't think you'll ever know just how much influence you have over me." Levi admits.

"It can't be that much, can it?"

"You'd be surprised."

"But-" Eren protests.

"Trust me. I'd know." Levi states definitively.

"Just… don't do anything stupid, okay? I'm not worth it." Eren requests, averting his gaze.

"Brat, you are worth it. You are worth the world to me and more by far." Levi responds, directing Eren's eyes back to his with a simple touch.

Levi brings his lips to Eren's, kissing him tenderly, trying to convey with a reverent brushing of lips just how precious Eren is to him. Levi's hand finds Eren's, carefully lacing their fingers and relishing the feeling of their hands pressed together.

Our hands fit so perfectly together… It's almost as if they were made for each other.

Despite the kiss not being heated, the depth of it leaves both Eren and Levi a little short on breath, their chests working hard to pull in cool air as they get lost in each other's eyes. A gentle hum brings them back to reality, their waitress carefully setting down their cups of tea in front of them, as well as a three-tiered cake stand full of assorted pastries and finger sandwiches.

"I'm sorry if I interrupted your moment, but I just wanted you to know that your order was here so you didn't forget about it. If you need anything, feel free to call me over, otherwise I'll leave you two lovebirds alone." The waitress smiles.

"Where did this come from? We didn't order-" Levi protests.

"It's for you. Don't worry, it has already been paid for. Enjoy your tea, gentlemen!" The waitress interrupts, winking at Eren before leaving.

"Wait, what is she talking about?"

"I already paid for all of this in advance so you wouldn't get any ideas about trying to pay for this. It's my treat this time."

"You brat-"

"Your brat." Eren corrects.

Levi groans, dry washing his face while Eren laughs, a smug grin adorning his face. Once he has settled down, Eren picks up his teacup and takes a shy sip of the frothy liquid, making a face, shrugging and then taking another sip.

"What's that face for?" Levi asks, picking up his own teacup by the rim and taking a sip of the hot liquid, humming contentedly, pleased with the deep flavor with notes of vanilla and lavender.

"I just… I guess I didn't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. It's not bad though. I kinda like it."

"Chocolate tea?"

"Tea in general, I guess. This is my first time trying it."

"This your first time trying tea? If you didn't know if you'd like it, then why did you chose it for our date?" Levi asks incredulously, putting down his cup.

"Well, you like tea a lot, so I decided I wanted to try it. Since it brings you so much happiness, I want to be able to enjoy it with you…" Eren mumbles, hiding his blushing face behind his cup.

As soon as Eren's teacup is safely on the table, Levi is pulling Eren into his lap and peppering his face and neck with kisses. Eren giggles and squirms, but Levi holds him down and continues to kiss him.

"You are too fucking cute, brat. You've made me feel emotions and shit. Thus, I must take my revenge." Levi declares between kisses.

"Levi, it tickles! Stop!"

"No."

"Levi~!" Eren laughs, finally capturing Levi's lips with his and keeping them in one place.

The kiss grows heated and they share a series of open mouthed kisses soon after, but Eren manages to take control of the situation and calm Levi down enough to stop kissing him. He grabs his teacup to take a sip and occupy his mouth, and when he puts it back down, he grabs a tiny fruit tart from the top tier of the tray and holds it out for Levi, who opens his mouth to accept it gratefully. Levi decides to return the favor and grabs one of the cupcakes, unwrapping the white paper to reveal the pink cake inside and offering it to Eren. He takes a bite, humming contentedly at the flavor, a smear of white frosting adorning his cheek adorably. Levi reaches up and pushes some of Eren's messy hair out of his face, stealing a quick kiss and cleaning up the stray frosting with his tongue.

"Mmmm, delicious."

"I take it you don't mean the frosting?" Eren giggles.

"Not even for a second."

"Can I try a sip of your tea?"

"Sure, be my guest."

Levi hands Eren his teacup and watches him take a tentative sip. His eyes widen almost comically at the flavor, and takes another sip soon after.

"What did you say this flavor was again?"

"Sgt. Earl. It's an Earl Grey blend with lavender and vanilla."

"It's delicious!"

"I'm glad you like it. I'm quite found of it myself. I'll make a point to buy some loose leaf before we go, and I'll make it for you whenever you'd like."

"Really?" Eren asks, eyes shining bright.

"Of course, brat. Didn't you say yourself that you were hoping to find a tea that we could enjoy together? If you like it too, I see absolutely no reason not to buy some."

"Thank you, Levi! I'll be sure to remind you so we don't leaf without it." Eren grins cheekily.

"Did you just make a fucking pun?" Levi glares.

"Are you doubt-tea-ing me?"

"Bag it, brat." Levi snaps, the corners of his lips twitching up ever so slightly.

"You're just mad because I have more creativi-tea than you." Eren returns.

"There will be a serious penel-tea for you if you keep this up, Eren."

"Move oolong, old man. You can't even compete." Eren sasses.

"You're setting yourself up for quite a steep fall."

"Admit it, you're enjoying I'm being all flirt-tea with you~…"

"It's quite naught-tea, that's for sure."

"You want naught-tea? What do you call the action of unwrapping a tea bag slowly?"

"Unwrapping a tea bag slowly?" Levi sasses.

"Smart ass. A strip-teas. I could demonstrate for you, if you'd like." Eren teases back.

"Only if you're willing to bear the consequences, because once I'm brew with you…" Levi threatens.

"Mmm, pour a little sugar on me, won't you babe?" Eren simpers, subtly grinding his ass down on Levi's crotch.

"I just might if you keep this up…" Levi growls in Eren's ear, grinding back.

Eren grabs a cream puff off the stand and takes a seductive bite, managing to get the cream filling over his lips, which Levi happily takes care of, kissing around his mouth and licking his way into it until the treat is all but forgotten.

"L-levi…"

"Hmm?"

"Tea-a… will get cold…" Eren gasps out between kisses.

"So?"

"Don't have- mmm… protection…"

"Don't need it." Levi growls.

"B-but-" Eren stutters.

"Just want to love you. Like this."

The kisses slow, becoming softer, more tender, less desperate, until they come to a complete stop.

"Never think that sex is a priority for me. You are always my priority. If you want it, then I'd be more than happy to abide, but know that your happiness and contentment sate me more than any sexual act." Levi confesses.

Eren wraps his arms around Levi's neck and hugs him tight, pressing their bodies together tightly, his heart beating rapidly, making chest feel like it's going to burst from all the love overflowing from it.

"Every time I start to think I couldn't love you more, you just have to go and prove me wrong, don't you?" Eren whispers.

Levi doesn't reply, simply hugging his brat back, running his hands through the brunet's soft locks. They hold this embrace for several long moments, before quietly separating and sipping on their tea and feeding each other the remaining goodies on the cake stand. They remain silent, but it's a comfortable silence, filled with meaningful looks and gentle touches. When they finally finish, Levi buys a small package of the tea leaves and they walk out of the shop hand-in-hand.